Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend

Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend (born 19 May 1945) is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for the rock group The Who, as well as for his own solo career. His career with The Who spans more than forty years, during which time the band grew to be considered one of the most influential bands of the 60s and 70s, and, according to Eddie Vedder, "possibly the greatest live band ever." Townshend is the primary songwriter for The Who, having written well over one hundred songs for the band's eleven studio albums, including concept albums and the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia, plus popular rock and roll radio staples like Who's Next, and dozens more that appeared as non-album singles, bonus tracks on reissues, and tracks on rarities compilations like Odds & Sods. He has also written over one hundred songs that have appeared on his solo albums, as well as radio jingles and television theme songs. Although known primarily as a guitarist, he also plays other instruments such as keyboards, banjo, accordion, synthesiser, bass guitar and drums, on his own solo albums, several Who albums, and as a guest contributor to a wide array of other artists' recordings. Townshend has never had formal lessons in any of the instruments he plays. Townshend has also been a contributor and author of newspaper and magazine articles, book reviews, essays, books, and scripts, as well as collaborating as a lyricist (and composer) for many other musical acts. Townshend was ranked #3 in Dave Marsh's list of Best Guitarists in The New Book of Rock Lists, #10 in Gibson.com's list of the top fifty guitarists, and #50 in Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list: 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Townshend was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Who in 1990. Description above from the Wikipedia article Pete Townshend, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia​

More details

Known For

Filmography

2023

2022

The Who: One Band's Explosive Story
The Who: One Band's Explosive Story
as Self - The Who Member
Movie - Released: 8/26/2022
The Who Hits 50! Live
The Who Hits 50! Live
Movie - Released: 11/26/2022

2021

Best of the 60s: The Story of Ready, Steady, Go!
Best of the 60s: The Story of Ready, Steady, Go!
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 6/5/2021
Classic Albums: The Who Sell Out
Classic Albums: The Who Sell Out
as Himself
Movie - Released: 6/15/2021

2019

Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation
Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation
as Self
Movie - Released: 5/24/2019
The Night That Changed Rock
The Night That Changed Rock
Movie - Released: 12/3/2019
The Who: The Night That Changed Rock
The Who: The Night That Changed Rock
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/15/2019

2018

Bad Reputation
Bad Reputation
as Self
Movie - Released: 9/28/2018

2017

The Who: Rock in Rio 2017
The Who: Rock in Rio 2017
as guitar
Movie - Released: 9/23/2017
The Who: Live at the Isle of Wight 2004 Festival
The Who: Live at the Isle of Wight 2004 Festival
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/2/2017
The Who: Tommy Live at The Royal Albert Hall
The Who: Tommy Live at The Royal Albert Hall
as Himself – guitars, vocals
Movie - Released: 10/13/2017

2016

Pete Townshend's Deep End - Face The Face
Pete Townshend's Deep End - Face The Face
as Self
Movie - Released: 9/16/2016
Night Flight: Born Again
Night Flight: Born Again
as Self
Movie - Released: 4/10/2016

2015

Movie
The Who: French TV Archives 1965-1967
Movie - Released: 1/1/2015
Classic Quadrophenia
Classic Quadrophenia
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/6/2015
The Who: Live in Hyde Park
The Who: Live in Hyde Park
as Himself - guitarist, vocals
Movie - Released: 10/7/2015
Jean-Michel Jarre: A Journey into Sound
Jean-Michel Jarre: A Journey into Sound
as Self
Movie - Released: 9/19/2015

2014

Led Zeppelin Played Here
Led Zeppelin Played Here
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 10/11/2014
The Who: Sensation—The Story of Tommy
The Who: Sensation—The Story of Tommy
as Himself
Movie - Released: 3/8/2014
Lambert & Stamp
Lambert & Stamp
as Himself
Movie - Released: 1/20/2014
Woodstock: Untold Stories Revisited
Woodstock: Untold Stories Revisited
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/29/2014
Lennon or McCartney
Lennon or McCartney
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/12/2014
Play It Loud: The Story of Marshall
Play It Loud: The Story of Marshall
as Self
Movie - Released: 11/28/2014
The Who: Quadrophenia - Live in London
The Who: Quadrophenia - Live in London
Movie - Released: 6/6/2014
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
as Self
TV - Released: 2/17/2014

2013

Quadrophenia: Can You See the Real Me?
Quadrophenia: Can You See the Real Me?
as Himself
Movie - Released: 6/29/2013
The Who - The Making of Tommy
The Who - The Making of Tommy
as Himself
Movie - Released: 10/25/2013

2012

The Who: Live in Texas '75
The Who: Live in Texas '75
as Himself
Movie - Released: 7/29/2012
12-12-12 | The Concert for Sandy Relief
12-12-12 | The Concert for Sandy Relief
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/12/2012

2011

Acoustic at the BBC
Acoustic at the BBC
as Self
Movie - Released: 9/2/2011
The Who:  Purple Hearts and Power Chords
The Who: Purple Hearts and Power Chords
Movie - Released: 4/11/2011

2009

2008

The Who - At Kilburn 1977
The Who - At Kilburn 1977
as guitar
Movie - Released: 11/17/2008
Movie
Beat Club: The 40th Anniversary Edition
Movie - Released: 1/1/2008
The Who - Live at the London Coliseum 1969
The Who - Live at the London Coliseum 1969
as Himself - guitars, vocals
Movie - Released: 11/17/2008
Smashing Pumpkins: If All Goes Wrong
Smashing Pumpkins: If All Goes Wrong
as Himself
Movie - Released: 11/11/2008
VH1 Rock Honors: The Who
VH1 Rock Honors: The Who
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/17/2008

2007

Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who
Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who
as Self
Movie - Released: 9/14/2007
Dear Mr. Fantasy - A Celebration for Jim Capaldi
Dear Mr. Fantasy - A Celebration for Jim Capaldi
as Himself
Movie - Released: 1/13/2007
The Who: Fragments Fan Club DVD
The Who: Fragments Fan Club DVD
as Himself
Movie - Released: 1/1/2007
The Who: Fresno 2/25/2007
The Who: Fresno 2/25/2007
Movie - Released: 2/25/2007
The Who: Dublin 6/29/2007
The Who: Dublin 6/29/2007
Movie - Released: 6/29/2007
The Who: Atlantic City 3/9/2007
The Who: Atlantic City 3/9/2007
Movie - Released: 3/9/2007
The Who: Lisbon 5/16/2007
The Who: Lisbon 5/16/2007
Movie - Released: 5/16/2007
The Who: Cheshire 6/23/2007
The Who: Cheshire 6/23/2007
Movie - Released: 6/23/2007
The Who: Stockholm 7/6/2007
The Who: Stockholm 7/6/2007
Movie - Released: 7/6/2007

2006

The Passing Show: The Life and Music of Ronnie Lane
The Passing Show: The Life and Music of Ronnie Lane
as Himself
Movie - Released: 4/9/2006
The Who: BBC Electric Proms
The Who: BBC Electric Proms
as Himself
Movie - Released: 10/28/2006
The Who: Quadrophenia Live With Special Guests
The Who: Quadrophenia Live With Special Guests
as Pete Townshend
Movie - Released: 12/1/2006
Movie
The Who: Live at Lyon
as Himself (Guitars, Vocals)
Movie - Released: 11/21/2006
The Who: Tommy Live With Special Guests
The Who: Tommy Live With Special Guests
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/5/2006
An Ox's Tale: The John Entwistle Story
An Ox's Tale: The John Entwistle Story
as Himself
Movie - Released: 8/22/2006
The Who: Philadelphia 9/12/2006
The Who: Philadelphia 9/12/2006
Movie - Released: 9/12/2006
The Who: Monte Carlo 7/15/2006
The Who: Monte Carlo 7/15/2006
Movie - Released: 7/15/2006
The Who: Nyon 7/20/2006
The Who: Nyon 7/20/2006
Movie - Released: 7/20/2006
The Who: Grand Rapids 12/5/2006
The Who: Grand Rapids 12/5/2006
Movie - Released: 12/5/2006
The Who: Werchter 6/30/2006
The Who: Werchter 6/30/2006
Movie - Released: 6/30/2006
The Who: Palm Springs 11/11/2006
The Who: Palm Springs 11/11/2006
Movie - Released: 11/11/2006
The Who: Brighton 6/18/2006
The Who: Brighton 6/18/2006
Movie - Released: 6/18/2006
The Who: Hampshire 7/3/2006
The Who: Hampshire 7/3/2006
Movie - Released: 7/3/2006
The Who: Liverpool 7/5/2006
The Who: Liverpool 7/5/2006
Movie - Released: 7/5/2006
The Who: Liverpool 7/6/2006
The Who: Liverpool 7/6/2006
Movie - Released: 7/6/2006
The Who: Glasgow 7/9/2006
The Who: Glasgow 7/9/2006
Movie - Released: 7/9/2006
The Who: Metz 7/18/2006
The Who: Metz 7/18/2006
Movie - Released: 7/18/2006
The Who: St. Polten 7/22/2006
The Who: St. Polten 7/22/2006
Movie - Released: 7/22/2006
The Who: Ulm 7/23/2006
The Who: Ulm 7/23/2006
Movie - Released: 7/23/2006
The Who: Bonn 7/11/2006
The Who: Bonn 7/11/2006
Movie - Released: 7/11/2006
The Who: Lyon 7/17/2006
The Who: Lyon 7/17/2006
Movie - Released: 7/17/2006
The Who: Dublin 7/8/2006
The Who: Dublin 7/8/2006
Movie - Released: 7/8/2006
The Who: Locarno 7/14/2006
The Who: Locarno 7/14/2006
Movie - Released: 7/14/2006
The Who: Zaragoza 7/29/2006
The Who: Zaragoza 7/29/2006
Movie - Released: 7/29/2006
The Who: Madrid 7/27/2006
The Who: Madrid 7/27/2006
Movie - Released: 7/27/2006
The Who: Wantagh 9/13/2006
The Who: Wantagh 9/13/2006
Movie - Released: 9/13/2006
The Who: Boston 9/16/2006
The Who: Boston 9/16/2006
Movie - Released: 9/16/2006
The Who: Holmdel 9/21/2006
The Who: Holmdel 9/21/2006
Movie - Released: 9/21/2006
The Who: Baltimore 9/23/2006
The Who: Baltimore 9/23/2006
Movie - Released: 9/23/2006
VH1 Rock Honors
VH1 Rock Honors
TV - Released: 5/31/2006

2005

The Britpop Story 'It Really, Really, Really, Could Happen'
The Britpop Story 'It Really, Really, Really, Could Happen'
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 8/15/2005
Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
Live Aid: 20 Years Ago Today
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/13/2005
Movie
The World's Greatest Gigs
Movie - Released: 11/9/2005
The Who | Tommy and Quadrophenia Live
The Who | Tommy and Quadrophenia Live
as Self - Guitar, Vocals
Movie - Released: 11/8/2005

2004

Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/9/2004
The Who: Live in Boston
The Who: Live in Boston
as Himself
Movie - Released: 9/14/2004
Movie
One For The Road: Ronnie Lane Memorial Concert
as Pete Townshend
Movie - Released: 9/24/2004
Police Protecting Children - Internet Paedophilia
Police Protecting Children - Internet Paedophilia
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/23/2004
Live Aid
Live Aid
Movie - Released: 11/16/2004

2003

Brian Wilson: On Tour
Brian Wilson: On Tour
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/17/2003
Mayor of the Sunset Strip
Mayor of the Sunset Strip
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/17/2003

2002

Pete Townshend: Music from Lifehouse
Pete Townshend: Music from Lifehouse
Movie - Released: 1/1/2002
Monterey Pop: The Outtake Performances
Monterey Pop: The Outtake Performances
Movie - Released: 12/11/2002

2001

Being Mick
Being Mick
as Self
Movie - Released: 11/22/2001

2000

Movie
The Beatles Revolution
as Self
Movie - Released: 11/17/2000
The Who & Special Guests: Live At The Royal Albert Hall
The Who & Special Guests: Live At The Royal Albert Hall
as Self - Lead Guitar / Vocals
Movie - Released: 11/27/2000

1999

Classic Albums: The Who - Who's Next
Classic Albums: The Who - Who's Next
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/21/1999
The Who - Who's Next 1971-2023
The Who - Who's Next 1971-2023
as Self
Movie - Released: 10/21/1999
Pete Townshend - Letterman Compilation 1985-1999
Pete Townshend - Letterman Compilation 1985-1999
as self
Movie - Released: 12/31/1999
Where Are They Now?
Where Are They Now?
as Self
TV - Released: 6/7/1999

1998

Listening to You: The Who Live at the Isle of Wight
Listening to You: The Who Live at the Isle of Wight
as Himself
Movie - Released: 11/3/1998

1997

Behind the Music
Behind the Music
as Self
TV - Released: 8/17/1997
Classic Albums
Classic Albums
as Self
TV - Released: 4/14/1997

1996

Pete Townshend - Live at Fillmore West, April 30th, 1996
Pete Townshend - Live at Fillmore West, April 30th, 1996
as guitar, vocals
Movie - Released: 4/30/1996
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus
as Self - Guitar
Movie - Released: 10/12/1996

1995

The History of Rock 'n' Roll
The History of Rock 'n' Roll
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/6/1995

1994

The Who: Maximum R&B Live
The Who: Maximum R&B Live
as Himself
Movie - Released: 8/15/1994
A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who
A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/16/1994

1993

Pete Townshend Live in New York Featuring Psychoderelict
Pete Townshend Live in New York Featuring Psychoderelict
as Himself
Movie - Released: 11/16/1993
The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb
The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb
as Voice
Movie - Released: 12/10/1993

1989

The Who | Live, Featuring the Rock Opera Tommy
The Who | Live, Featuring the Rock Opera Tommy
as Self - Guitars & Vocals / Mr. Walker / Mrs. Walker / Narrator
Movie - Released: 11/14/1989
The Simpsons
The Simpsons
as Pete Townshend (voice)
TV - Released: 12/17/1989
MTV Rockumentary
MTV Rockumentary
TV - Released: 6/1/1989

1987

Jimi Plays Monterey
Jimi Plays Monterey
as Self (archive footage)
Movie - Released: 10/16/1987
TV
Na siehste!
as Self
TV - Released: 11/4/1987

1985

White City
White City
as Pete Fountain
Movie - Released: 1/2/1985
Pete Townshend - South Bank Show Documentary
Pete Townshend - South Bank Show Documentary
as self
Movie - Released: 10/1/1985
The Who at Live Aid
The Who at Live Aid
Movie - Released: 7/13/1985
Live Aid
Live Aid
as Self
Movie - Released: 7/13/1985

1984

The Who: Live from Toronto
The Who: Live from Toronto
Movie - Released: 1/1/1984

1983

Movie
The Who Rocks America 1982
as Himself
Movie - Released: 1/1/1983

1982

The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/1/1982
The Who: Live at Shea Stadium 1982
The Who: Live at Shea Stadium 1982
as Self
Movie - Released: 1/1/1982
Video EP: Pete Townshend
Video EP: Pete Townshend
Movie - Released: 6/14/1982

1981

Concerts for the People of Kampuchea
Concerts for the People of Kampuchea
as Self
Movie - Released: 3/29/1981

1979

The Who: The Kids Are Alright
The Who: The Kids Are Alright
as Himself
Movie - Released: 6/15/1979
The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball
as Himself
Movie - Released: 12/22/1979

1978

The Kennedy Center Honors
The Kennedy Center Honors
as Self
TV - Released: 12/28/1978

1976

The Secret Policeman's Ball
The Secret Policeman's Ball
as Self
TV - Released: 4/1/1976

1975

Tommy
Tommy
as Himself
Movie - Released: 3/19/1975
Les Rendez-vous du dimanche
Les Rendez-vous du dimanche
as Self - The Who
TV - Released: 1/12/1975

1974

Rockpalast
Rockpalast
as Self (guitar vocal)
TV - Released: 10/4/1974
Rockpalast
Rockpalast
TV - Released: 10/4/1974

1973

Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/14/1973
Sound of the City: London 1964-73
Sound of the City: London 1964-73
as Self
Movie - Released: 6/1/1973

1971

Great Performances
Great Performances
as Self
TV - Released: 1/28/1971

1970

The Who ‎– Live At Tanglewood 1970
The Who ‎– Live At Tanglewood 1970
as Himself
Movie - Released: 6/7/1970
Woodstock
Woodstock
as Self - The Who
Movie - Released: 3/26/1970

1969

Movie
Heads
as Self
Movie - Released: 12/19/1969

1968

Monterey Pop
Monterey Pop
as Self - The Who
Movie - Released: 12/26/1968

1967

The Lost Paths
The Lost Paths
as Himself
Movie - Released: 1/1/1967
Omnibus
Omnibus
as Self
TV - Released: 10/13/1967

1966

Carousella
Carousella
as himself
Movie - Released: 12/31/1966

1965

Seize millions de jeunes: Mods
Seize millions de jeunes: Mods
as Interviewee
Movie - Released: 3/18/1965

1964

Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
as Self
TV - Released: 1/1/1964